Hampton Roads Oyster Gardening Seminars

This year, due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, we have adjusted our oyster gardening seminar process. New oyster gardeners will be required to review a "How To" guide teaching you how to maintain your oyster garden throughout the coming year in lieu of an in-person seminar class. At the event, you will pick-up your spat-on-shell (baby oysters set on recycled shells), two 18" x 9" cages to grow them in, line, and reusable zip ties. We require a $25 fee for this system to offset program costs.

NEW GARDENERS: Please read our New Gardeners web page before you register for a seminar.

For the safety of CBF staff, volunteers, and oyster gardeners, gardeners will register and pay for their new oysters online by credit card. The pick-up process will be contact-free, though we do request that you wear a mask.

Additionally, CBF is unable to assist with finding public locations for oyster gardening this year due to COVID-19. If you do not already have access to waterfront property, you will not be able to participate this year.

CBF is proud to once again partner with Lynnhaven River NOW and the Elizabeth River Project to help expand our oyster gardening program. The Oyster Gardening event in Virginia Beach is co-hosted by Lynnhaven River NOW. The Oyster Gardening event in Norfolk for RiverStar Homes and RiverStar businesses is co-hosted by the Elizabeth River Project.

If you have questions regarding CBF's Oyster Gardening program, please e-mail, OysterGardener@cbf.org or call 757-644-4125.

**Please wear gloves and relevant protective clothing while handling your oyster shells or float in order to prevent waterborne illness.**